Japan industry group warns of war’s impact on supply of thinners

Japan’s paint thinner supply faces future risk as Middle East conflict drags on, industry group warns | Contesto: cronaca

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• Japan industry group warns of war’s impact on supply of thinners

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Japan’s industrial sector is not currently experiencing any shortages of paint thinners, but a prolonged conflict in the Middle East could disrupt supplies in the months ahead, the head of a domestic industry group warned Thursday. Speaking on behalf of the Japan Paint Manufacturers Association, the group’s chairman said that while inventories remain adequate for now, the ongoing instability in the Middle East — a key source of raw materials for solvents and thinners — poses a growing threat to the supply chain. He urged companies to monitor the situation closely and prepare contingency plans. The warning comes as global shipping routes through the Red Sea and the Suez Canal have faced repeated disruptions due to hostilities in the region. These chokepoints are vital for the transport of petrochemical feedstocks used in the production of thinners, which are essential for paints, coatings, and industrial adhesives across Japan’s manufacturing and construction sectors. Japan relies heavily on imports of crude oil derivatives and other chemical intermediates from the Middle East. Any sustained interruption in that flow could drive up costs and delay deliveries, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises that lack the buffer stocks of larger corporations. The industry group’s chairman emphasized that the risk is not immediate, but that a protracted conflict would inevitably strain the supply network. The association’s assessment aligns with broader concerns among Japanese manufacturers about geopolitical instability. Earlier this year, the government urged companies to diversify their sourcing and build strategic reserves of critical materials. The thinner market, while niche, is a bellwether for the wider chemical industry, which feeds into automotive, electronics, and construction supply chains. Analysts note that Japan’s domestic production of thinners has declined over the past decade as refineries consolidated and shifted output. That makes the country more vulnerable to external shocks. The industry group did not specify which raw materials are most at risk, but trade data show that Japan imports significant quantities of xylene, toluene, and other...

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Categoria: cronaca